Crookwell student wins educational grant
SCHOLAR DOLLARS: Melissa Jackson will use her Parallel Partners education grant under ‘The Deeley Project’ for resources to help her at university. Photo: supplied
Melissa Jackson, a 2016 Crookwell High School graduate, has been named the inaugural winner of an education grant under the banner of ‘The Deeley Project’.
The grant is sponsored by local book publisher Parallel Partners.
In February, Melissa was accepted into the Bachelor of Equine Science course at Charles Sturt University.
In her first semester she will study animal anatomy and physiology, horse behaviour, equine science and biology, among other subjects.
“I was so excited when I started my course and I still am,” Ms Jackson said.
“I would love to finish my equine science course, and then complete my veterinary science course.
“I want to open my own practice, striving to provide as much knowledge to the equine industry as I can.
“My main focus would be the rehabilitation of horses, as this is very under-developed in Australia.
“I would also like to change the breeding practices in the racing industry, as so many horses are currently wasted if they are not fast enough.
“This is something I am extremely passionate about.”
Matthew Geddes of Parallel Partners said: “When the business started, there was always a plan to quarantine some profits to assist local students to continue their studies, particularly in animal science or farming.
“The Deeley Project was founded in early 2016 to assist that cause, and it’s fantastic to see Melissa as the first grant recipient.”
Parallel Partners worked closely with Crookwell High, especially careers advisor Stephanie Needham.
Ms Jackson plans to put her grant towards the expensive of buying text books.
”Textbooks are expensive,” she said.
“This grant will help me buy the necessary textbooks I need for my course.”
Mr Geddes plans to work with Mrs Needham at Crookwell High towards identifying another student to receive similar assistance in 2018.
“It would be great to provide another opportunity for a student to continue their studies in a field that is going to help rural communities,” he said.
- parallelpartnersbooks.com.au